The “Committees of Soldiers’ Mothers” has become the largest NGO in Russia as an umbrella organization embracing nearly 300 groups and thousands of members.Founded in 1989, the organization publicizes and combats human rights violations in the Russian armed forces, such as hazing or abusive treatment.Committee members also arrange legal help for conscripts and their families, consult on legislation affecting military and alternative service, and press for improved living conditions for military personnel.

The Committees of Soldiers’ Mothers have opposed the Kremlin’s conduct of the war in Chechnya and have accused the Russian Government of consistently under-reporting the number of Russian military casualties in the conflict.

Meanwhile, recent verbal attacks by President Putin and other Russian officials on human rights organizations and their funding sources raise concerns about the future of Russian NGOs that may be viewed by the government as politically hostile.

An un-official transcript will be available on the Helsinki Commission’s Internet web site at www.csce.gov within 24 hours of the briefing.

The United States Helsinki Commission, an independent federal agency, by law monitors and encourages progress in implementing provisions of the Helsinki Accords. The Commission, created in 1976, is composed of nine Senators, nine Representatives and one official each from the Departments of State, Defense and Commerce.